A treasurer of two chapters of the Knights of Columbus was charged Friday with stealing $30,000 over a span of five years, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday afternoon.

Michael D. Twigg, 46, of Glenolden, surrendered on multiple counts of theft, all felonies of the third degree, and 50 counts of forgery of the second degree. He is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

An investigation by the county’s Economic Crime Unit stemmed from complaints from members of the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Dougherty Assembly and Trinity chapters regarding two separate bank accounts, one at Eagle Bank for the Cardinal Dougherty Assembly and one at TD Bank for Trinity Chapter, authorities said.

During interviews with investigators, members advised that signatures on 50 checks deposited in these bank accounts were allegedly forged by Twigg.

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On July 20, members of the Trinity Chapter and the Cardinal Dougherty Assembly both received letters from Twigg in which he allegedly admitted to the thefts, authorities said. When Delaware County detectives made contact with Twigg, he allegedly admitted writing out checks in his own name and depositing them into his personal bank account.

“It is unfortunate when volunteers in religious and charitable organizations breach the trust instilled in them for their own selfish gain,” District Attorney Jack Whelan said. “Our Economic Crime Unit is dedicated to protecting all victims of theft and fraud, especially charitable organizations. I also want to applaud CID Detective Michele Deery for her exemplary work on the case.”

The Trinity Chapter of the Knights of Columbus includes 31 separate counsels from Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties. The Trinity Chapter raises funds that are given to various Catholic and religious organizations.

Twigg was elected treasurer by members of the Knights of Columbus and, according to statements, held the position for the Cardinal Dougherty Assembly for four years and for more than 15 years for the Trinity Chapter.

A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 2 before Magisterial District Judge Steven A. Sandone in Darby Township.